Stripped screw holes.

[mbella1026]

Well after 8 years of removing the panels to clean a bunch of the little screw holes are stripped in my enviro evolution. Anyone have any tricks for this?

 

[DAKSY]

I would go up a size with the screw threads. If you know the size & pitch,
you should be able do determine the next larger thread size.
Just find a screw thread chart on-line.
Get the correct size tap drill & drill the minor diameter.
Use a hand tap to the form the threads. You may need
both a starter & bottoming tap to do the job.
Get the correct screws & you should be good to go.

 

[bcarton]

If you live close to a True-Value store, bring one of the old screws there and just ask someone for help. Your goal is to walk out with the proper size screw,drill bit, and tap. Someone there should be able to assist.

 

[SidecarFlip]

...Install bigger sheetmetal screws.... issue solved.

 

[heat seeker]

Definitely pricey, but a permanent cure:

(broken link removed)

 

[SidecarFlip]

The Rivnuts are cheap, the tool isn't. I have one but I'd still opt for ordinary sheet metal screws or Tek's.

 

[Rubicon 327]

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-piece-threaded-insert-riveter-kit-1210.html

 

[RAVinMetrowest]

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-piece-threaded-insert-riveter-kit-1210.html

X2

 

[SidecarFlip]

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-piece-threaded-insert-riveter-kit-1210.html

That might last thtough 3 or 4 light gage Rivnutz and then wind up in the rubbish (like most oriental HF stuff) does. Mine is an IR air operated one that will pull huck bolts if necessary..

For light gage applications, just get threaded blind 'pop' rivets at your local big box store and call it good. It's really all you need for that application anyway.

 

[muss]

Stick a match(no head ) in the hole , then just screw in.

 

[mbella1026]

Thanks everyone.

 

[mbella1026]

I read about using teflon tape. Anyone heard of that?

 

[SidecarFlip]

............................

 

[SXIPro]

Stick a match(no head ) in the hole , then just screw in.

That was a trick my Dad taught me for wood screws used on door hinges that weren't holding tight anymore.

 

[funflyer]

Definitely pricey, but a permanent cure

For a permanent fix and to make it easy to remove you should turn to aviation. Maybe over the top for you guys yes?

 

[SidecarFlip]

I like it. stainless yes?

 

[wgiles]

If the problem is sheet metal screws, going up a size is probably the best solution. A little anti-sieze on the threads will help to keep from wearing the threads out, but don't over tighten them. The thread engagement on sheet metal screws isn't that much and it's easy to over tighten them. Try to get the screws into the original threads when replacing them. Cutting new threads each time wears the holes out faster. If the metal isn't very thick, inserts may be the long term solution.

 

[GT_Sharp]

Depends on the situation but I've had success with using steel pop rivets on stripped sheet metal threads in the past on certain projects.

 

[Snowy Rivers]

Where exactly are the screws located (piccy please)

Seeing where they go will make it easier to recommend a solution.

Many screws on these stoves are hardened self tapping types as opposed to sheet metal screws.